November 6, 2009 - (RealEstateRama) -- Congressman Danny K. Davis (D-IL07) today spoke out for, and voted in favor of, extending Unemployment Benefits, the Home Buyer Credit and a Small Business Net Operating Loss Carryback. The vote today approved amendments added by the Senate to the legislation passed by the House of Representatives six weeks ago. The legislation is expected to be signed by President Obama tomorrow. The provisions of the bill include the following.

November 6, 2009 - (RealEstateRama) -- Working to help those hardest hit by the struggling economy, and provide greater opportunities to realize the American dream, Rep. Debbie Halvorson (IL-11) today voted to pass the bipartisan Emergency Unemployment Compensation Extension Act."All across our district our friends and neighbors are in danger of losing their unemployment benefits, and our economy is struggling to recover, this bill is a big step in turning that around," said Halvorson. "By extending these benefits we are helping our communities today so they can be stronger and more prosperous tomorrow.

Washington, D.C. - November 6, 2009 - (RealEstateRama) -- The U.S. House of Representatives voted today to extend two economic stimulus provisions championed by Congresswoman Melissa Bean to aid struggling small businesses and support the recovering housing market.

November 5, 2009 - (RealEstateRama) -- Congressman Phil Hare (D-IL) today voted for legislation that will extend both unemployment benefits and the first-time homebuyer tax credit. The bill now heads to the President’s desk. Hare has been a strong supporter of extending unemployment benefits during this recession. In September, Hare voted to extend these benefits for 13 additional weeks. After being amended by the Senate, today’s bill would extend benefits in Illinois by 20 weeks, where the unemployment rate is currently over 10 percent.

Radon Poster Contest launched to increase awareness of radon hazards. SPRINGFIELD, IL - November 3, 2009 - (RealEstateRama) -- November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month, and the Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA) is encouraging people to check their homes this month for a radioactive gas that is the second-leading cause of lung cancer in the United States. Radon gas, which comes from the decay of naturally-occurring uranium in the soil, has been found in homes in every county in Illinois.

CHICAGO, IL - November 3, 2009 - (RealEstateRama) -- Governor Pat Quinn today urged eligible Illinois households to apply for winter heating assistance through the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). The state received $174.6 million in federal funds to assist low-income families for this winter season.

SPRINGFIELD, IL - October 30, 2009 - (RealEstateRama) -- Governor Pat Quinn today recognized hundreds of volunteers for their hard work and dedication towards improving their communities. The Governor’s Home Town Awards were given for 46 projects during a ceremony at the Executive Mansion in Springfield

SPRINGFIELD, IL - October 26, 2009 - (RealEstateRama) -- Statewide Illinois home sales increased year-over-year in the month of September for the first time since March 2006 with first-time buyers driving the rebound in sales. According to the Illinois Association of REALTORS® latest report, statewide total home sales (which include single-family and condominiums) in September 2009 reached 10,350 homes sold, up 3.3 percent from September 2008 sales of 10,018. The Illinois median price in September 2009 was $160,000 down 9.3 percent from $176,450 in September 2008. The median is a typical market price where half the homes sold for more, half sold for less.

SPRINGFIELD, IL - October 20, 2009 - (RealEstateRama) -- Radon gas is the second-leading cause of lung cancer and the leading cause of the deadly disease for non-smokers. Yet many people in Illinois have no idea if their homes have high levels of this health hazard. That’s why the Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA) is encouraging people throughout Illinois to test their homes for radon during Radon Action Week October 18-24.

October 19, 2009 - (RealEstateRama) -- Congressman Phil Hare (D-IL) today was joined by local citizens and realtors in Moline, Canton, and Macomb to call for an extension of the $8,000 first-time homebuyer tax credit. The credit is set to end on December 1, 2009.

Washington, DC - October 16, 2009 - (RealEstateRama) -- U.S. Representative Judy Biggert (R-IL-13th) today introduced legislation, the Suspend ACORN Certification (SAC) Act, aimed at preventing the misuse of public resources designated for federally-approved housing counseling activities

WASHINGTON, DC - October 15, 2009 - (RealEstateRama) -- The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development today announced a commitment to insure a mortgage loan to Mendota Community Hospital in Mendota, Illinois. The $34,220,000 loan is made possible through the Federal Housing Administration’s Section 242 Hospital Mortgage Insurance Program.

CHICAGO, IL - October 15, 2009 - (RealEstateRama) -- Governor Pat Quinn today announced that approximately $242 million in additional Illinois Home Weatherization Assistance Program (IHWAP) funding is available through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) to assist with low-income home weatherization efforts over the next two years.

WASHINGTON, DC - October 14, 2009 - (RealEstateRama) -- Last week, U.S. Representative Mike Quigley (D-IL) voted to extend the First-Time Homebuyer tax credit for members of the Armed Services who served abroad this past year. H.R. 3590, which extends the credit for qualifying military personnel through November 30, 2010, passed the House of Representatives overwhelmingly by a 416-16 vote. The current tax credit is set to expire on November 30, 2009.

Must Close Before December 1, 2009 to Qualify for Advance Loan on Federal Credit. CHICAGO, IL - October 12, 2009 - (RealEstateRama) -- With the federal tax credit deadline fast approaching, the Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA) reminds potential first-time homebuyers to take advantage of the Home Start Tax Advance Loan. The deadline for the loan, which offers up to $6,000 in down payment assistance, is December 1, 2009.